Your “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Thursday Open Thread

Oh yeah – it’s time to dust off that dictionary and linguistics degree…

…it’s Spelling Bee season again!

It’s been going on all day. The finals are tonight on ESPN, because TNT must be covering the final nail in the Warriors coffin. Much like the Westminster Kennel Club show does, it should actually draw better ratings.

if not haughtier bitches.

For all you stats folks, here’s your data fix:

Number of Spellers: 285

144 boys (50.5%) 141 girls (49.5%)

Age Range

1 six-year-old (0.4%) 30 eleven-year-olds (10.5%)
0 seven-year-olds (0.0%) 51 twelve-year-olds (17.9%)
2 eight-year-olds (0.7%) 113 thirteen-year-olds (39.6%)
1 nine-year-old (0.4%) 71 fourteen-year-olds (24.9%)
14 ten-year-olds (4.9%) 2 fifteen-year-olds (0.7%)
This year’s age statistics are typical of previous years’ age statistics. source

 

Here’s the six-year-old; he’s already been on TV with Steve Harvey:

And here’s your word:


Keep in mind that, while fame & fortune do not follow each of these kids much beyond this evening, they do go on to some pretty interesting, mostly academic careers. Business Insider (apparently your key spelling bee source) had a good write-up on past winners in May 2015. Have a gander at the successes some of them became. and maybe let’s all chip in to get WCS some dictionaries & thesauri.

But some moments – as in all competitions – are destined to live on forever. Cracked had a pretty good article on this topic in 2015, outlining some of the more bizzare things that happen – including protests – during the two days of the spelling bee. Business Insider has a 2015 story about the racism that follows the tournament because the majority of recent winners have been Indian-American.

But who cares about serious matters. Remember this kid?

And just a general all-around playa.

His name is Akshay Buddiga. This happened to him in 2004, but gets shown at least once per year on things like a SportsCentre Top-10 list of “fails” or “unexpected falls” or some such theme. He actually came second. Well, 12 years on, he’s graduated from Stanford with a Masters in Engineering. His brother, Pratyush, a former champion, is a professional poker player.

“That’s right Akshay, only winners meet winners.”

And don’t forget “the Screamer”: (or “the Spaz”, as some sites called her)

Her name is actually Rebecca Sealfon. She went on to get a Masters in Computer Science at Columbia, and she’s now a software engineer. She’s also 30 now, so it wasn’t at all creepy trying to find out anything about her, unlike those prudes at “Project Runway Junior”. There is also a conspiracy theory & reddit dedicated to proving she didn’t spell the word “exactly”, because her euphoria added some syllables to her pronunciation. Aaaaaaaaaaand that’s why she stays off the internet and hasn’t done an interview since 2005.


Oh sure, there are other, possibly more important sporting contests this evening, but Super Bowls of other sports only come around but once per year. Drink it in, my pretties.

Tonight’s tense elimination matches!

NHL: GAME 7 – Tampa @ Pittsburgh – 8:00

  • late update: The Bolts may have Stamkos back

NBA: Game 5 – OKC @ Golden State – 9:00

Scripps National Spelling Bee: Finals – 8:00 (ESPN)

Tonight’s Open Thread will be dedicated to following the madness, especially if the hockey & hoops become laughers. (Pour another one out for KSK – here’s 2015’s liveblog if you desire a trip down mammary memory lane.) Last year’s Bee ended in a tie, when they ran out of “championship-round” words. They’ve changed the rules for this year, so that shouldn’t happen. But there is no rest in competitive spelling! More importantly, every time a little kid gets a word wrong,

YOU MAY FEEL SUPERIOR!

 

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Beerguyrob
A Canadian man-child of indeterminate age, he stays young by selling alcohol at sporting events and yelling at the patrons he serves. Their rage nourishes his soul, and their tips pay for his numerous trips to various sporting events.
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theeWeeBabySeamus

Cranberries – Conduct
(shut up….it’s a good song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXaL6BdMB3U

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Not just at Thanksgiving anymore.

theeWeeBabySeamus

Yup.

theeWeeBabySeamus

Cranberries – Stars
(I’m out, gents)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_6ak9CYx48

ALXMAC
theeWeeBabySeamus

Nice

ALXMAC

Cheers Brother; see you on the ‘morrow.

theeWeeBabySeamus

Indeed.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
theeWeeBabySeamus

Hey, get a room you two.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
theeWeeBabySeamus

Fack yas!!!

theeWeeBabySeamus

Avett Bros. – Live and Die
(BANJO, motherflubbers!!!!!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvGk506ucEk

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
ALXMAC
theeWeeBabySeamus

Yep. I mean….yep.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Ape’s cousin, I think; Labor Day Ape.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

Actual favorite song

RHCP – Under the Bridge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwlogyj7nFE

theeWeeBabySeamus

I can never pick between that and this….
RHCP – Otherside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkVM4AxzxCE

ALXMAC

Not sure that it’s my fav RHCP, but NO ONE DENIES THIS as top 5:

https://youtu.be/0XcN12uVHeQ

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I am out of booze and cigs.. Most embarrassing song that I absolutely love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9HGwRbMiVY

ALXMAC

Jewel – Who will save your soul

https://youtu.be/-LukEq643Mk

theeWeeBabySeamus

I will admit to loving this song.
And then I will slowly slink out of the room.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

Yeah. I will just admit to loving that song with no addendums

theeWeeBabySeamus

I shared this earlier with someone very special for a very particular reason. One of my favorite songs. Fuck you if you don’t like it.

Avett Bros. – February Seven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkVM4AxzxCE

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Is this on your mix tape?

/hides mix tapes
//yes, still has mix tapes

theeWeeBabySeamus

I go digital these days. But it’s on my primary playlist, you betcha.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

It’s funny how you have a song that is close and meaningful to you for whatever reason and some friend is “WTF? This fucking SUUUUUUCKS.” and visa versa. I try to not be the internet any more and just not care for something, doesn’t always work.

http://67.media.tumblr.com/1a9f1683f4eda50a0470d1f4e56a9c48/tumblr_o7l6u90IOc1u3vseto2_1280.jpg

theeWeeBabySeamus

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Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Mine is usually Hall & Oats, there is also a ton who don’t like when Zappa comes on. But that’s why I have headphones.

ALXMAC

The Avett Brothers – Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise

https://youtu.be/iEr9gMYdkHI

theeWeeBabySeamus

I knew I liked you.
Now I know why.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I had more songs that everyone would like. I went back to No Shelter because I love it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NEoesmnYU4

theeWeeBabySeamus

Green Day – Scattered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaDMmA2sTQU
(where’s WCS when I need him? Oh yeah…)

theeWeeBabySeamus

Again, no idea why I’m laughing so hard at this.
All I can think is “Assisted Birth?”
Shit guys…nobody get alarmed, everybody be cool……….but I might be a little high.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

A little?

I should go smoke some to revive.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

System of a Down – Link. I had this on a CD back when CD’s where a thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh_j9xrwUb0

theeWeeBabySeamus

LOL, that’s cute.
Vinyl, 8track, vinyl again, cassette, cd, digital
Goddamn I’m old.

ALXMAC

You do know that this was a SOAD parody? Still cool.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

From Chainsaw Hookers. How they snubbed that film for an Oscar I’ll never understand.

h

ttp://66.media.tumblr.com/0d4b4c7636065323c002bc63afeab624/tumblr_nwsxw0OkSu1rhd1xfo1_400.gif

laserguru

Crime against humanity!

laserguru

Don’t go to bed on a sad note.

Or an angry note.

Or a worrisome note.

Go to bed on a GOOD note.

Stolen from Rikki’s request line.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I am out of booze, still have a half cig

h
ttp://i.imgur.com/XN8dBnh.gifv

laserguru

I’ll light one.

How the hell are you MTWV?

Glad you’re part of the family.

I’m all crunchy and shit over here.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I grew up in the 90’s. I enjoy this song. I am going weird 90’s after this but I want you to know I listened

ALXMAC

Nine Inch Nails – Wish

https://youtu.be/kuoFiIFkdAA

laserguru

Oh waitress?

Can i get some hash browns and a side of bacon with my heavy industrial shit?

ALXMAC

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ALXMAC

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ALXMAC

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Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Is this an every day thing now?

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

It should be

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Try something different.

ALXMAC

Do you mean the Alison Brie gifs or this one in particular that I posted? Either way, it’s:

A. The 1st time that I have posted it (or seen it posted here for that matter)

II. The 1st time I have ever posted an Alison Brie gif.

Either way, I nominate you for Chief Secretary of DFO.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Just asking; it was great the first 1,000 times, but if you have not seen it, be my guest.

ALXMAC

I apologize Moose; I re-read what I said and that was harsh and inconsiderate.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Nope, I shouldn’t harsh anyone’s buzz. I post some stuff over again because I forgot I used it before or it’s a good reaction graphic. Just seen that one a lot and on here the last two days. I withdraw my snark.

ALXMAC

I mean this with all sincerity:

Dude, you are the thread ender. Not everyone on here checks in every day (not saying you do or that it is a bad thing), but anyone that posts a gif here knows (or should know) that they owe you a debt of gratitude for being a pioneer in the gif industry.

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh

Sorry, sometimes I assume others have seen what I have, a silly presumption for sure.

laserguru

Goddamn you guys are good.

I fell down an industrial hole a few hits back.

Must have KMFDM.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I really don’t want to go smoke my last cig. distracting myself with Alison Brie gifs

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZYShmKL96g/VQvQePyz72I/AAAAAAAAF7Y/EuYsFU7YldI/s1600/alison%2Bbrie4.gif

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

Closing a tab. I think I never posted this Alison Brie gif. Enjoy

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Moose -The End Is Well Nigh
theeWeeBabySeamus

Goddamit…I JUST windexed that.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

I have one cig and one shot left, it shouldn’t matter other than I am usually extra prepared on both fronts so I never think about it.

ALXMAC

I ration the cigs starting with 1/2 a pack left. Each one becomes two. Good luck with 1 and 1 though.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

My pack has lasted over a week and a half because I ration them as half cigs, the fact that only one is left still worries me

ALXMAC

Hahaha. We sound like 2 convicts giving each other advice in the yard:

https://youtu.be/WQoR8_1QW8Y

laserguru

I’ll do that shot with you brother.

Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

Fuck it I’m in

laserguru

Shots!

One Buffalo Trace going down!

Moose -The End Is Well Nigh
Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

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herodotus450

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laserguru

Road trip to San Luis Obispo tomorrow.

A quick trip with an overnight stay and holiday weekend traffic.

LA traffic.

Take a pair of Dockers shorts, 2 changes of undies in case of accident, pair of jeans because the venue is right on the damn ocean, a light jacket.

Never wear a hoodie in SLO.

My Nike Cubs baseball shirt.
My “Walking Bear” Cubs T-shirt.
My Wrigley Field T-shirt in case we are kidnapped by inbred hillbilly chainsaw operators.
2 pairs of socks
I pair of gym shorts to sleep in.
Al of your damn meds and your toiletries. A man ain’t a man lessen he shaves!
Vape system with extra juice.
Edibles.
iPod.
Walking shoes.

And an open mind.

Road trip!

laserguru

And a book.

herodotus450

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laserguru

If this was just a few short decades ago?

There would have been a different list.

theeWeeBabySeamus

INORITE?????????????

laserguru

Love that band.

I can do one more.

Fierce industrial shit.

herodotus450

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herodotus450

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ALXMAC

Northwestern Wildcats apparently dig Chick-fil-A

https://youtu.be/oYIUuyoSVAs

laserguru

Four day weekend ahead!

Apart from the whole going in on Saturday or Sunday for billing, payroll, weekly accounting and purchasing reconciliation I AM OFF FOR THE HOLIDAY MOTHERFUCKERS!

Let’s do this holiday weekend up!

/posts this ironically

I feel a very small sense of shame.

ALXMAC

Congrats to all youse Pens fans blah blah blah. GO SHARKS!!

WCS

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Oh, you!

Unsurprised
Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

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Marc Trestmans Windowless Van
Marc Trestmans Windowless Van

Finally starting Xmen. One more gif/(gifvid?) for no reason

h
ttp://i.imgur.com/6Hm02OL.gifv

the Alpha and the Amoeba

Ooooooh lord

theeWeeBabySeamus

Every week…every damned week…I go grocery shopping.
This has NEVAR happent to me.

Unsurprised
Unsurprised

PUSSY PARTY!

theeWeeBabySeamus

Gotdanged cats, scratching up my vinyl and shit.
Bad Kitty….You’re a bad KITTEH.
This is MY pot pie.
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